II Corinthians 3:15 But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart.16 Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away. 17 Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. 4: Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; 2 But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. 3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. 5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
Chapter 4 starts with “therefore” or because of what was just said in Chapter 3. Clergy and laity are sometimes separated, but there is no position higher than another. We all have a ministry to do. Each of us has inadequacies. When I go to bed at night I have to ask the Lord to forgive me because I’m not satisfied with what I did for him that day, all the opportunities I missed or overlooked. Do you feel satisfied with yourself? Most of us don’t. The most rewarding blessing I’ve felt in a day is when I’ve witnessed to the lost or helped someone who’s down and out. It’s a blessing and feels good to accomplish something for the Lord. At the same time we know we could do more.
The happiest we’ll be is when we do something for others: we can pray with them and talk to them about the Lord. We all have a ministry. The best way to have our needs met is to help others. We’re all blessed. We got up at home this morning instead of in a hospital or nursing home. Visiting our sick and shut in ministers to them and they, in turn, minister to us.
The devil is blinding the eyes of the world from the light of the gospel. The only way they’ll see is for us to shine our light. The Jews were blinded and Paul said the veil would be taken away. Many Jews are Christians. Paul had a ministry. We do too. We need to be a mirror for God. Don’t be afraid to witness. Haul off and be a Christian. People will see the glory of God. Wear your salvation not only on the inside but on the outside. Show it. We’re not complete until we let our light shine.
If the gospel is hid, it shouldn’t be by us. The devil needs no help from us in hiding the gospel. To be saved the gospel has to shine on a person. God has given us mercy. We have a treasure in us, the treasure of God. It’s an awesome responsibility. We are to produce fruit so our joy can be full. The more we share the Lord, the happier we’ll be. We’ve received mercy. Let’s not faint in the work.
Evangelism never sleeps. We always have opportunity to share the gospel and fulfil the work God has given us to do.
Adwolfe Freewill Baptist Church 